Turning Colder

Over the past year, concerns that Russian President Vladimir Putin is returning his country to authoritarianism have arisen amidst a series of events that would suit a novel by John LeCarre. With internal enemies of the regime arrested or murdered, by way of an obscure, radioactive poison or by a fleeing gunman in the night, Russia’s government has became more secretive and more insistent on cracking down on freedom of expression within its borders. Putin has expressed belligerence toward neighbors in Eastern Europe, as well as a willingness to use petroleum reserves as leverage in world politics. An announcement that Russia is planning to increase its military arsenal, with a focus on missiles, is another disturbing sign that Russia has become alienated from the US and Europe. The expansion of the EU as well as possible NATO defense arrangements in Eastern Europe are both interpreted in Moscow as challenges to Russia’s influence along its western borders. A majority of Russians may not regard themselves as European, yet the nation shares a border with many European nations. Major players will want to adopt careful strategies rather than return to the cold and distant relationship of the past. – YaleGlobal